Unusual
attractions for an island holiday in Corfu, Greece
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Corfu
nestles in the Ionian Sea off the northwest coast of Greece. The island
is known for its rugged mountains and is surrounded by oceanfront resort
towns. Corfu is justifiably famous for is souvlaki and ouzo and is among
the most green and lush of the Greek islands.
The
island has a rich history, with the Venetian, French and British ruling
here until 1864, when Corfu united with Greece. Corfu Town reflects this
historic past with two Venetian fortresses, a French-style arcade and a
British cemetery. There is also a ghost town, where its few residents refuse
to leave.
1. New
and Old Perithia
Perithia
is a typical Greek village on Corfu, accessed from one of the main coastal
roads. It has the expected taverns, a butchers shop, ice cream shop and
an olive press.
However,
if you keep on going up towards Mount Pantokratora, you will find the “old”
village of Palea
Perithia or Old Perithia. Known locally as a “ghost town,” Old Perithia
is not completely abandoned. In fact, it is among the oldest perhamently
inhabited towns on Corfu.
Originally
established in Byzantine times in and around the 14th century, you will
see many ruins of former homes, crumbling away into the dust. This was
originally a pleasant place to live, with its vineyards and churches, and
was once a wealthy village.
The
village used to have a population of 1,200, but now it is reduced to a
mere fraction of that number. Yet, despite the ruins and few locals, the
town still has an operating tavern and there is even a bed & breakfast
in the heart of the village.
As
the location is too good to waste, with remarkable surrounding scenery,
Old Perithia is gradually being restored but it will take some time. |
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Photo:
Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia
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2. British
Cemetery, Korfu Town
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Photo:
British Cemetery by Nikodem Nijaki on Flickr
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Looking
back to the British occupation of the island, the next unusual location
can be found while enjoying a visit
to Corfu Town (or Kerkyra as it is known in Greek). The city is a UNESCO
World Heritage site and has many attractions with great restaurants and
more, but one fascinating spot can be found an 11-minute drive from the
centre of town and is an eerie and fascinating visit.
This
overgrown cemetery is like a hidden gem on Corfu and gives a glimpse into
the history of the island. Locals in Corfu Town call the cemetery the English
or British Cemetery and it dates back to the early 19th century, when the
island became a British Protectorate. Up until around 1855, this was mostly
a military cemetery. However, casualties from both World War I and II were
also buried here, as both British and US forces used the island as a naval
base.
However,
civilians have also been buried here and now the island once again belongs
to Greece, the graveyard is also used for members of Anglican families
who descended from the British settlers.
Throughout
the cemetery, around 500 graves can be seen, but these days it resembles
a forgotten, overgrown garden, rather than a graveyard. The gravestones
are surrounded by trees, plants and tall grasses and tortoises are often
seen lumbering around through the grass to soak up a little sun on the
forgotten memorial stones. |
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Photo
by Nikodem Nijaki on Flickr
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3. Paleokastritsa
village and beach
This
quaint village offers a number of local taverns, which overlook several
bays with sandy and pebbled beaches, which are surrounded by olive tree
forests, making for an unusual and dramatic view. These days Paleokastritsa
is a cosmopolitan seaside resort, stretching along the coastal road and
offering stunning views over the bays and a pretty little harbour. The
main beach at the village is small but regular excursion boats take visitors
to nearby, more isolated beaches.
At
the end of the coastal road stands the Monastery of the Virgin, that dominates
the landscape and dates back to 1225. A small museum hosts a fascinating
collection of books, post-Byzantine icons and other religious objects.
Many
believe Corfu is the mythical island of the Phaeacians and that the bay
at Paleokastritsa was the place where Odysseus left his boat and met with
Nausicaa. In fact, one of several sea caves here has been named Nausicaa
Cave after the King
of the Phaeacians' daughter, who they believe found the legendary hero
Odysseus in a bad way and nursed him back to health. Another cave has been
named the Blue Eye Cave, due to the patch of rich blue water which resembles
an eye.
Enjoy
a visit to Corfu in Greece next summer - soak up the sun on the beaches,
stroll around the towns, dine in style at the local restaurants and explore
some of the less usual side of this lovely Greek island. |